Business View Caribbean - January 2016 47
and becoming immersed in all of its external trade ne-
gotiations. “When the government is seeking to open
new markets, it comes to the TTMA to get advice and
find out what our needs are in these markets. We help
inform and shape policy, since we are the largest stake-
holder. We are part of the negotiating process.”
No doubt, having a close working relationship with
the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment is an
important requirement for an association such as the
TTMA, considering that its 400 members comprise 95
percent of the islands’ exporters of both raw materials
and manufactured goods. Fortunately, for the mutual
benefit of the country and its manufacturing sector,
Ramdeen had worked at the Ministry for 15 years be-
fore coming to lead the TTMA, and a former head of the
TTMA is now the country’s Minister of Trade.
According to Ramdeen, while there are some two, to
three thousand, manufacturers in Trinidad and Tobago,
the TTMA mainly focuses on those companies inter-
ested in exporting their products and services, abroad.
The TTMA helps large companies seek out international
markets and provides them with market intelligence in
the international arena. For medium-sized companies,
who produce for regional trade, the Association offers
intelligence, opportunities for financing, and help with
the shaping of government policy. For small compa-
nies, the TTMA helps with trade negotiations, and pro-
vides information on market trends and financing.
Other functions of the TTMA include: monitoring all
legislation and international trade agreements that af-
fect its manufacturers; assisting them in understand-
ing and maintaining required safety standards in their
respective sectors; advising them on subjects such as
labor relations, public relations, and advertising; find-
ing sources of investment; offering education and as-
sistance for local manufacturers in the efficient use of
modern methods of manufacture and in the develop-
ment of exports; and generating market expansion,
both regionally and internationally, through local, re-
gional and international trade fairs, exhibitions and for-
eign trade missions.
